Timeline: Key Moments in the George Zimmerman Case

Zimmerman was cleared of all charges in the shooting of Trayvon Martin, the unarmed black teenager whose killing unleashed furious debate across the U.S. Look back at key moments in the case.

July 12, 2013 1:40 PM

Photo: AP

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Feb. 27, 2012 – Claiming self defense, the gunman George Zimmerman recounts his version of events to Sanford Police. Photos taken during the session show blood on the back of Zimmerman's head and across his nose. (AP Photo/State Attorney's Office) less

Feb. 27, 2012 – Claiming self defense, the gunman George Zimmerman recounts his version of events to Sanford Police. Photos taken during the session show blood on the back of Zimmerman's head and across his ... more

Feb. 27, 2012 – Later that day, Zimmerman takes police to the scene of the fatal shooting and retells his story while police recorded. Police officers filmed the outing, which was later used as a piece of evidence in Zimmerman's second-degree murder trial. (Associated Press)

Feb. 27, 2012 – Later that day, Zimmerman takes police to the scene of the fatal shooting and retells his story while police recorded. Police officers filmed the outing, which was later used as a piece of ... more

March 22, 2012 – Sanford Police Chief Bill Lee, left announces he would temporarily step aside in the shooting controversy. Less than three months later, he was fired. Later, he would tell CNN he felt forced out by his reluctance to charge Zimmerman despite public outcry. The same day, a petition on Change.org demanding Zimmerman's arrest reaches 1.3 million people. less

March 22, 2012 – Sanford Police Chief Bill Lee, left announces he would temporarily step aside in the shooting controversy. Less than three months later, he was fired. Later, he would tell CNN he felt forced ... more

April 20, 2012 – At a bond hearing – his first public court appearance – George Zimmerman apologizes to Martin's family for the death of their son. Bond is set at $150,000.

April 20, 2012 – At a bond hearing – his first public court appearance – George Zimmerman apologizes to Martin's family for the death of their son. Bond is set at $150,000.

Photo: Gary W. Green, Associated Press

April 20, 2012 – At a bond hearing – his first public court... Photo-2843259.66221 - Houston Chronicle

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April 23, 2012 – Zimmerman enters a not guilty plea on reason of self defense and waves his right to an arraignment. He posts bail and is released, but will be taken back into custody a little more than a month later after authorities say he and his wife misrepresented their finances when asking for bond. less

April 23, 2012 – Zimmerman enters a not guilty plea on reason of self defense and waves his right to an arraignment. He posts bail and is released, but will be taken back into custody a little more than a ... more

May 15, 2012 – An independent medical report by George Zimmerman's family doctor the day after the shooting shows Zimmerman was diagnosed with a fractured nose, two black eyes and two cuts to the back of his head. less

May 15, 2012 – An independent medical report by George Zimmerman's family doctor the day after the shooting shows Zimmerman was diagnosed with a fractured nose, two black eyes and two cuts to the back of his ... more

May 28, 2013 – Judge Debra Nelson rules that future jury members will remain anonymous and not allowed to be taken to the scene of the shooting. She also rules that Trayvon Martin's past use and/or familiarity with guns, marijuana and fighting cannot be brought up during the trial. (AP Photo/Orlando Sentinel, Gary Green, Pool) less

May 28, 2013 – Judge Debra Nelson rules that future jury members will remain anonymous and not allowed to be taken to the scene of the shooting. She also rules that Trayvon Martin's past use and/or ... more

June 24, 2013 – After the prosecution's first witnesses largely laid out Trayvon Martin's whereabouts earlier the evening of the shooting, 911 dispatcher Sean Noffke takes the stand. Noffke took Zimmerman's initial non-emergency call during the time before the shooting when the defendant pursued Martin on the street. During the call, Noffke told Zimmerman "We don't need you to do that." (Getty Images) less

June 24, 2013 – After the prosecution's first witnesses largely laid out Trayvon Martin's whereabouts earlier the evening of the shooting, 911 dispatcher Sean Noffke takes the stand. Noffke took Zimmerman's ... more

Photo: 2013 Getty Images

June 24, 2013 – After the prosecution's first witnesses... Photo-4908426.66221 - Houston Chronicle

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July 2, 2013 – In a seemingly positive turn for the defense, prosecution witness Detective Chris Serino testifies that George Zimmerman's account of the shooting has remained consistent and he did not perceive "active deception" from Zimmerman. The prosecution may have scored points, however, when he testified that he believed Zimmerman was following Martin the night of the shooting. less

July 2, 2013 – In a seemingly positive turn for the defense, prosecution witness Detective Chris Serino testifies that George Zimmerman's account of the shooting has remained consistent and he did not ... more

Photo: Joe Burbank, Pool

July 2, 2013 – In a seemingly positive turn for the defense,... Photo-4865349.66221 - Houston Chronicle

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July 9, 2013 – Pathologist Dr. Vincent Di Maio testifies that he believes Zimmerman's account of Martin being on top of him during the fight, but does not give an opinion on who started the fight.

July 9, 2013 – Pathologist Dr. Vincent Di Maio testifies that he believes Zimmerman's account of Martin being on top of him during the fight, but does not give an opinion on who started the fight.

July 13, 2013 - George Zimmerman was found not guilty in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin. The six-member jury deliberated for more than 15 hours over two days before reaching their decision Saturday night.

July 13, 2013 - George Zimmerman was found not guilty in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin. The six-member jury deliberated for more than 15 hours over two days before reaching their decision Saturday night.

Photo: AP

July 13, 2013 - George Zimmerman was found not guilty in the... Photo-4913102.66221 - Houston Chronicle